Meet a Roadrunner: Lamine Bouamrane is a researcher who wants to help people with mental disorders

(June 29, 2016) -- Meet Lamine Bouamrane. This postdoctoral fellow came to UTSA because he wanted to learn from the best.

Born and raised in Algeria, Bouamrane earned his master's degree and Ph.D. in genetics and neuroscience at Marseille University in France. Networking in France brought him to UTSA.

"I've always been interested in understanding how the brain works, especially how it generates consciousness and behaviors, and how it processes, codes and stores information. Of course those are difficult questions to address, so I decided to focus on dopamine neurons that are known to be central to these phenomena," Bouamrane said. "My old boss in Marseille told me if I wanted to be close to this field, the right guy to meet is Dr. Carlos Paladini."

Under Paladini, associate professor of biology and an investigator in the UTSA Neurosciences Institute, Bouamrane is studying dopamine neurons to determine how they work and how they influence behavior. He hopes to better understand brain function and dysfunction.

"Using various methods, we are trying to figure out what are the mechanisms and the parts of the brain that control the activity of neurons that release dopamine," said Bouamrane.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a major role in reward-motivated behavior and motor control. Alterations in dopamine signaling contribute to brain disorders such as addiction, Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia.

"Understanding how these neurons work could allow us to control their activity, and therefore could lead to new efficient ways of helping people suffering from these diseases," said Bouamrane.

Helping people with these diseases hits close to home for Bouamrane.

"I'm really interested in schizophrenia because I have a lot of cases in my family," Bouamrane said. "If I can understand these disorders, I can go further in trying to help people."

At UTSA, Bouamrane is surrounded by a team of top-tier researchers, like Paladini and Charles Wilson, who holds the Ewing Halsell Chair in Biology and directs the UTSA Neurosciences Institute.

"This is such a great opportunity because I'm working with the smartest people I've ever met," Bouamrane said. "I'm learning a new way of thinking and observing from Dr. Paladini. Dr. Wilson is the best scientist I've ever seen in my life. He is impressive and I'm really happy to be here in this environment, and work with these people."

Despite living thousands of miles from his home country, Bouamrane has found a new home at UTSA.

"The campus is alive. It's always moving," he said.

Now he hopes to encourage his girlfriend, who's working on her Ph.D. in neuroscience in France, to come to UTSA after she graduates.

"I'm telling her to come here because I want her to succeed," said Bouamrane. "I tell her about the Tier One education at UTSA. "

Events

MuTe Fest is a celebration of original music and technology. Three days of concerts, sessions, and informative lectures will offer a unique experience of musical works created by fellow UTSA students and the chance to gain valuable knowledge about music technology.
Art Building, Music Tech Lab (Arts 3.01.30B), Main Campus

The conference will showcase the works of authors, illustrators, and scholars which embody Latino culture and art as a means to promote literacy and reading in Latino children.
Durango Building, first floor, Downtown Campus

The theme of this year’s symposium is Black & Brown Futures. The free event will give UTSA students and the community the opportunity to meet and hear national scholars talk about current research and academic trends relevant to the lives of African Americans in the United States.
Student Union, Denman Room (SU 2.01.28), Main Campus

Join the Department of Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching for the 14th Annual UTSA Storytelling Festival featuring Nancy Simpson, storyteller and keynote speaker. The event is free and open to the public.
Main Building, Ground Floor Lobby, Main Campus

Students are invited to a semi-formal, dinner banquet with an awards presentation and dancing. Keynote speaker will be San Antonio City Councilman William Cruz Shaw. Tickets must be purchased by Feb 19 at Roadrunner Express. UTSA students are $15 and guests are $20.
H-E-B Student Union Ballroom (HSU 1.104/1.106), Main Campus

Dr. Don Jenkins from UT Health SA will lead this event UTSA with up to 30 certified STB trainers, and train up to 300 UTSA students and personnel in stop the bleed methods.
H-E-B Student Union Ballroom (HSU 1.106), Main Campus

Get to know more about the Bexar County Criminal District Court candidates' stance on the issues before voting in the primary election on March 6.
Buena Vista Street Building, Aula Canaria (BVB 1.328), Downtown Campus

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